Sarah Helen Whitman papers (Ms. 79.11)

Biographical note

1803 Jan 19

Birth of Sarah Helen Power.

1828 Jul 10

Marriage to John Winslow Whitman.

1829

First publication of a poem, "Retrospection," in Ladies Magazine.

1830

Beginning of the Providence literary circle, the "phalanstery," which would center around Sarah Helen Whitman for the rest of her life.

1833

Death of husband.

1845

Poe first sees Whitman in a garden and writes "To Helen." She responds to this sonnet and their correspondence begins.

1848

First meeting between Poe and Whitman.

1849

Engagement and rupture.

1853

Publication of Whitman's "Hours of Life, and Other Poems".

1860

Publication of Whitman's "Edgar Poe and His Critics".

1860

The beginning of inquiries by Poe's biographers to Whitman enlisting her aid in their work. These queries lasted throughout the rest of her life.

1878 Jun 27

Death of Sarah Helen Whitman.